Lake Victoria
About Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is a 417-acre lake near Alexandria in Douglas County, Minnesota. It reaches 60 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 32 feet, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 12.2 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 19 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. The lake is listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 13, based on 16 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Victoria
- 417 acres, up to 60 feet deep, near Alexandria
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill
- Average water clarity around 12.2 feet — very clear
- Listed as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 417 acres
- Max depth
- 60 ft
- Average depth
- 32 ft
- Shoreline
- 6.5 mi
- Water clarity
- 12.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 131 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 19
- Game fish
- 10
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2024
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 13
- Years of record
- 16
- Earliest
- March 16, 2024
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- March 16, 2024
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Lake Victoria
Compare Lake Victoria against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
See how Lake Victoria ranks among fishing lakes nearby.
See how Lake Victoria ranks among boating lakes nearby.
See how Lake Victoria ranks among paddling lakes nearby.
See how Lake Victoria ranks among ice fishing lakes nearby.
Nearby Lakes
Jessie Lake
49 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Nelson110 acres
1.4 miles away
Burgen Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria174 acres
1.8 miles away
Lake Geneva
70 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria640 acres
1.9 miles away
Lake Agnes
60 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria137 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Henry
59 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria152 acres
2.9 miles away
Lake Winona
47 out of 100 Lake ScoreDouglas · Alexandria213 acres
3.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Victoria?
Lake Victoria is in Douglas County, Minnesota, near Alexandria. It covers 417 acres and reaches 60 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Lake Victoria?
Lake Victoria covers 417 acres with about 6.5 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 60 feet and its average depth is about 32 feet.
What fish can you catch at Lake Victoria?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Tullibee (Cisco) and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Victoria?
Yes. Lake Victoria has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Lake Victoria?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Lake Victoria. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Lake Victoria stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Lake Victoria; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
When does the ice go out on Lake Victoria?
The median ice-out date is April 13, from 16 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 16, 2024 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Does Lake Victoria have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Lake Victoria as infested with Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.